Change name after the Big D?

[Starshyne]

I have gone back to my madien name and I am currently in the process of getting credit cards and everything changed back to my madien name. I never wanted to take H's name when we got married and in the end decided to do both names with a space. I don't like H's last name because it is strange and confusing. My madien name fits me so much better.

Not having children made the choice much easier, but I think if I did have kids, I still would go back to my name. I feel like I am starting over again. I am remodeling the house we once shared in order to make it "mine" and not "ours." Going back to my name fits in with all of that.

The downside for me is that I am a teacher. I have been know as Mrs. H's last name for the past 5 years. I am not looking forward to having to explain anything to the students or my co-workers. It is already bad enough trying to explain things to the credit card companies.

I think that if you decide to go back to your name, don't let the fact you have a child with H's last name stop you. I know some children who have hypened last name themselves.

Regardless of what your last name is, you are still the same person.